The Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity in Libya has issued a decision appointing Eng. Hitam Al Zahaf, an alumnus of the fifth batch of Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership, as Minister of Youth.
Al Zahaf is one of Libya’s most prominent young figures, as he has built a substantial reputation over years of continuous work in youth empowerment and civic engagement.
He has contributed to organizing and managing impactful initiatives and programs that brought together young people from various parts of Libya through adopting youth-related causes, developing their capacities and expanding their participation in public life.
Al Zahaf has maintained an impactful presence within several youth institutions. He has contributed to organizing and managing numerous youth initiatives and programs and participated in leading projects aimed at preparing young professionals capable of contributing to community development and creating meaningful impact. Moreover, he has played a significant role in developing visions and strategies related to youth work, reflecting a deep understanding of the priorities and challenges of the current phase.
Al Zahaf has held several leadership positions, most notably as Director of the Youth Empowerment Department, where he supervised the restructuring of youth empowerment projects and followed up on the Local Youth Councils Project. In addition, he led the “Leaders of Hope” program, which aims to prepare young cadres capable of leadership, organization, and effective national engagement.
Furthermore, he served as Director of the Youth Programs and Activities Department, during which he undertook significant national responsibilities, including chairing the Higher Committee for Youth Camps and contributing to the management of several committees related to the elections of local youth councils and national youth events.
Within the institutional structure, Al Zahaf continues to play a leading role through his work with the Libyan Youth Hostels Association, where he contributed to restructuring the operational system, developing organizational and communication mechanisms and strengthening coordination with youth hostels across different Libyan cities. These efforts support the development of more equipped and effective youth cadres. At the regional level, Hitam Al Zahaf also maintains an active presence within several Arab and African youth organizations. He is a member of the Arab Youth Council at the Arab Youth Center, a member of the Pan-African Youth Union, and an alumnus of the African Development Bank’s Young Professionals Program, reflecting the broader reach and influence of his experience beyond the local context.
In this regard, Hassan Ghazaly, the anthropologist and founder of Nasser International Forum, expressed his great pride and appreciation at Hitam Al Zahaf’s appointment as Libya’s Minister of Youth, emphasizing that this achievement represents a great source of pride for the Forum and for all alumni of Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership. He noted that the appointment of one of the fellowship’s alumni to such a significant national position reflects the success of the Forum’s vision of preparing young leaders capable of effectively serving their communities and participating in decision-making positions.
Ghazaly added that Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership was not merely a training program but rather an integrated platform for building young leadership and strengthening cooperation among youth of the Global South. He also expressed confidence in Minister Hitam Al Zahaf’s ability to present an inspiring national model in supporting and empowering Libyan youth and enhancing their role in development pathways and shaping the future.
Nasser International Forum concluded the statement by renewing congratulations to His Excellency Minister Hitam Al Zahaf, expressing pride in him as one of the alumni of the fifth batch of Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership, and wishing him continuous success and prosperity in fulfilling his national duties in the coming period
